Chalmette(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Chalmette, Louisiana, top hotel recommendations include Chalmette Riverfront Resort, a scenic property nestled along the Mississippi River, blending French colonial architecture with modern comfort. Its river-view rooms and on-site Cajun cuisine restaurant offer immersive local charm.

Another standout is Old Chalmette Inn, a restored 19th-century plantation home now serving as a boutique inn. Surrounded by ancient oaks and wetland trails, it provides a tranquil retreat with authentic Cajun heritage ambiance. Both properties are within walking distance to St. Louis Church and the Chalmette Battlefield, making them ideal for history and culture lovers seeking a peaceful yet enriching stay.

The best area for accommodations in Chalmette is Downtown Chalmette, located just steps from the Mississippi River and St. Louis Church. This historic district offers easy access to cultural landmarks, family-run restaurants, and quiet residential streets.

Hotels like Chalmette Riverfront Resort and Old Chalmette Inn thrive here, combining architectural authenticity with modern amenities. The neighborhood’s strong French-American identity, with hand-painted signs and Creole-style homes, enhances the immersive experience. Plus, its proximity to New Orleans (20 minutes by car) makes it a perfect base for exploring the city’s vibrant music, food, and festivals while enjoying a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.

Must-visit cultural experiences in Chalmette include touring St. Louis Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the U.S., built in 1720, featuring preserved French colonial murals and ornate altars.

Don’t miss the annual Battle of New Orleans Reenactment held on January 8 at the Chalmette Battlefield, where reenactors bring history to life with period costumes and live artillery demonstrations. Additionally, take a guided swamp ecology tour through the Mississippi Delta wetlands—spotting alligators, herons, and cypress trees while learning about Cajun folklore and early settler life. Local food festivals also offer authentic gumbo, fried catfish, and sweet potato pie.

Yes, Chalmette is highly suitable for family travel. The town offers safe, green spaces and educational activities centered around Louisiana’s rich history and natural environment.

Stay at Chalmette Riverfront Resort, which features a children’s play area, outdoor pool, and hands-on Cajun heritage workshops such as traditional clay crafting and French language games. Nearby Chalmette Park has picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails perfect for kids.

Families can explore St. Louis Church together or join weekend cultural storytelling sessions. With easy access to New Orleans (20 minutes away), families can also visit attractions like Audubon Zoo and Science Museum, making Chalmette an ideal base for a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and learning.

Must-try foods in Chalmette include Cajun Gumbo—a rich stew made with shrimp, chicken, and filé powder—and Fried Catfish with Gravy, served over rice with a side of cornbread. These dishes reflect the town’s deep Cajun and Creole roots.

Visit Old Chalmette Diner, a family-owned eatery since 1950, known for its homemade sweet tea, spicy sauces, and vintage décor. On weekends, head to the Riverfront Market, a lively street fair offering jambalaya, beignets, and grilled crawfish, alongside live jazz music and artisan crafts—perfect for a full sensory experience of local flavor and culture.

Transportation in Chalmette is convenient despite its small-town size. It lies just 15 miles east of New Orleans, accessible via LA-1 Highway with a 20-minute drive to downtown.

Local transit includes RTA Route 36, connecting Chalmette to key areas in New Orleans. The nearest airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), only 25 minutes away by car. Most hotels offer free parking, and the Mississippi Riverfront Trail is ideal for biking and walking.

For river crossings, the Chalmette Ferry provides a scenic alternative to bridges, linking to Mandeville and Baton Rouge, enhancing regional connectivity and offering a unique travel experience.

Chalmette was founded in 1718 by French colonist Pierre Chalmette, making it one of Louisiana’s oldest settlements. Originally established as a farming community, it later became a vital hub for agriculture and timber trade due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River Delta.

The town gained national significance during the Battle of New Orleans (January 8, 1815), when American forces under General Andrew Jackson defeated British troops at the Chalmette Battlefield. Today, the site is part of the Chalmette National Battlefield, a U.S. National Historical Park with monuments, cannons, and guided tours.

Chalmette still preserves its French-American heritage in architecture, language, and traditions, reflecting its deep roots in colonial Louisiana history.

Chalmette boasts unique natural landscapes shaped by the Mississippi River Delta ecosystem. Explore the Chalmette Wetlands Preserve, a vast swamp habitat teeming with alligators, herons, and bald cypress trees, accessible via guided boat tours.

Walk the Mississippi Riverfront Trail, a 5-kilometer wooden path ideal for strolling, cycling, or watching sunsets over the river. In spring, wildflowers like purple vetch and yellow daisies bloom along the banks.

For a deeper immersion, join a nighttime swamp expedition—using headlamps to spot nocturnal wildlife while listening to frog choruses and distant bird calls. These experiences highlight the region’s ecological richness and serene beauty.

Key festivals in Chalmette include the Battle of New Orleans Reenactment (January 8), a dramatic historical event featuring costumed soldiers, live cannon fire, and traditional music at the Chalmette Battlefield.

The Chalmette Riverfront Music Festival in spring showcases local jazz, blues, and Cajun bands performing under open skies. Summer brings the Cajun Food & Culture Fair, celebrating regional recipes, cooking demos, and folk tales.

Every Saturday, the Old Town Market hosts artisans selling handmade pottery, jewelry, and fresh produce—adding a vibrant, community-driven rhythm to the town’s calendar.

Nightlife in Chalmette is relaxed, authentic, and culturally rich. Visit Riverfront Jazz Lounge, a cozy bar with nightly live performances by local jazz and blues musicians, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

On weekends, Old Chalmette Diner hosts "Midnight Cajun Nights"—free drinks and spontaneous music sessions where guests dance to accordion tunes while enjoying fried catfish.

For a quiet evening, relax on the terrace of Chalmette Riverfront Resort, sipping local wine under the stars while listening to the gentle flow of the Mississippi River. The town’s night scene emphasizes connection, culture, and calm—perfect for travelers seeking a slower pace.